Frequently Asked Questions
About Stamp-Connection
What's your story?
Stamp-Connection opened their doors on January 2, 2001 on 3rd street between Main and Roberts, in Gresham, Oregon. The brainchild of John Clark, Stamp-Connection started with two employees, a promise to make rubber stamp shopping easy for their customers, and the prestige to be a part of Historic Downtown Gresham.
Over six years later, the company is the largest rubber stamp manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest with annual sales of over $1 million, shipping orders to all 50 states and most Western countries, with 20,000 happy customers. Relocating to a larger location on Roberts, Stamp-Connection has grown to employ fourteen full time employees who receive a living wage, allow for manufacturing upgrades, and offer a high caliber of customer service rarely seen in office supply manufacturing.
What is your privacy policy?
Your privacy is important to us. We use the information you provide when placing an order only to complete that order, fulfill the requested services, and send communications related to our service. We do not add or sell your personal information to third parties.
Before I place an order, please tell me
What kind of stamp do I need?
There are 3 specific types of stamps available; self-inking, pre-inked and regular wood stamps.
Self-inking stamps have a self-contained ink pad and when pressed down automatically inks the rubber die to leave a mark on your desired paper stock. These stamps use a water based ink and offer a good impression.
Pre-inked stamps have a special rubber die that allows ink to soak through it. The impression is cut out of the rubber and when the stamp is pressed down leaves an impression on the paper. These stamps take a special oil based ink and offer the best impression on the market.
Regular wood stamps use the same rubber piece that is used in a self-inking stamp, except that it is mounted on a piece of wood with a handle. A separate ink pad is used to make an impression, giving this stamp versatility to change colors and use fast drying inks.
What is the difference between a Rubber and a Polymer stamp?
A polymer stamp a stamp made by pouring a liquid polymer compound on a sheet of glass and exposing it to ultraviolet light. This causes the polymer to expand in the exposed areas creating whatever has been placed on the negative being used. It should only be used with water based inks.
A rubber stamp is created by cutting with a laser into real rubber, or by utilizing a method called vulcanization. Laser cut rubber stamps are much sharper and create clearer images as well as being able to be used with all types of ink.
What is the difference between pre-inked stamps and self-inking stamps?
Pre-inked stamps come with the ink imbedded into the die and only require about 1/4" of movement to make an impression. With self-inking stamps, the impression die rests against the ink pad and when the handle is pushed, the die flips over away from the ink pad and makes the impression.
How many impressions will a pre-inked stamp make?
The material itself has been tested to make in excess of 50,000 impressions. As far as individual use of an inked stamp is concerned, the actual number of impressions depends on how hard the stamp is stamped, what material you are stamping onto and at what temperature the stamp is used at. A warm environment allows more ink to flow out of the stamp than a cooler temperature allows.
Can pre-inked stamps be re-inked?
Our pre-inked stamps can be re-inked with proper ink. To re-ink: turn the stamp upside down so that you can see the die (text, lettering, etc). Place a few drops of ink just to cover the letters and let the stamp sit until the ink is absorbed.
What is the difference between oil based ink and water based ink?
Water based ink is not permanent and can be removed with a mild detergent and water. Oil based inks are resistant to water, moisture, mild soaps and detergents. The Xstamper brand oil based inks are acid free, archival quality ensuring no damage or yellowing of the stamped surface.
What types of surfaces can I stamp on?
The surfaces that can be stamped on depends on what type of stamp you have.
While I place an order, please let me know
Do I have to place my order online?
Online ordering allows you to receive faster turnaround on your order. We are always happy to assist you with any questions you may have with the order process. Other ordering options include phone, check by mail, fax, and in person at our shop.
Are my online transactions secure?
Yes. All transactions sent to and from the online system are encrypted. Payment information is not stored within the online system and all passwords and other sensitive information are stored in an encrypted form.
What shipping options do I have?
Our main method for shipping is the US Postal Service. First class mail and priority mail. There is also the option of FedEx, we can add the cost to your bill or we can use your FedEx account.
Can I use a Purchase Order?
You can use our website to compile the products that you need and print out a confirmation page with products codes, descriptions and prices that can be submitted with your formal purchase order. New accounts may need to fill out a credit application with our company prior to placing their first order.
I placed my order. Please tell me
When can I expect my order to arrive?
First class mail generally takes between 3 and 7 days, Priority mail takes about 2 to 3 days to receive.
My stamp has not shown up yet, where is it?
That depends on the shipping method you chose. Please call our toll free number 1-866-667-1133, to speak with a custom service representative to trouble shoot this situation.
Do I have a tracking number? Can I get one?
If you requested UPS or FedEx shipping for you order, a tracking number is available upon request. Please call our toll free number 1-866-667-1133, to speak with a custom service representative to receive this information.
I have my stamp. Please let me know
If my stamp arrived broken, what should I do?
Send the broken stamp back to us and we will repair of replace it at no charge to you. If you need your stamp as soon as possible, call us with the situation and we can ship out another stamp for you the same day.
What is your return policy if I made a mistake?
At Stamp-Connection.com our main goal is to provide you with quality pre-inked and self inking stamps for every stamping need you may have. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the stamp you have ordered, we will replace it immediately at no cost to you, no matter what the error is. This means that even if you supplied the wrong information, or the type style chosen does not meet your specific needs, we will manufacture a new stamp for you at no cost.
What is your return policy if Stamp-Connection.com made a mistake?
Our policy is the same regardless of fault, so if your stamp does not meet your needs we will replace it at no charge to you.
I ordered the wrong stamp, what should I do?
At Stamp-Connection.com our main goal is to provide you with quality pre-inked and self inking stamps for every stamping need you may have. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the stamp you have ordered, we will replace it immediately at no cost to you, no matter what the error is. This means that even if you ordered the wrong stamp, simply return the stamp to us, and we will manufacture a new stamp for you at no cost.
Stamp Care
How do I re-ink my stamp?
Click here for detailed Xstamper re-inking instructions .
Click here for detailed iStamp re-inking instructions .
Click here for detailed Ideal re-inking instructions.
I already own a stamp and want to change it. Is this possible?
Yes if you need a replacement die plate for an Ideal self-inking stamp. You can just order a die plate to put on your rubber stamp you already have. We provide instructions with every die plate order.
Web Related
How do I set-up an account?
Speed up your checkout by creating an account with Stamp-Connection. An account allows you to save your billing and shipping information for future transactions. Simply click the Create an account link at the top of this page. From there, create your account by providing your name, an e-mail address, and a password.
I forgot my password. How do I get a new one?
Click here to have a new password e-mailed to you.
Artwork
How do I send you my artwork?
Please e-mail any artwork needed for your order to art@stamp-connection.com.
What file formats do you accept?
Please ensure your artwork is a black and white image that is at least 300 dpi in any of the following formats:
- .ai (Adobe Illustrator) File created in Adobe's Illustrator program
- .eps (Encapsulated PostScript) File created as a Vector Graphic
- .psd (PhotoShop Document) File created in Adobe's Photoshop program
- .cdr (Corel Draw) File created in Corel's Draw program
- .tiff, .tif (Tagged Image File Format) Common file format for large images
- .jpg (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Common file format for photo images
- .gif (Graphic Interchange Format) Common file format for small illustrated images